Jackson Square

Jackson Square is a historic park in the French Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana. It was founded by the French as the Place d'Armes, a military parade (and occasional execution) ground; it was known as the Plaza de Armas under Spain. In 1795, the Spanish built the Cabildo town hall next to the square. In 1815, following the Battle of New Orleans, the city dedicated the park to honor the war hero Andrew Jackson, who led the US forces during that battle, the final battle of the War of 1812 and a famous US victory. In 1856, an equestrian statue of Jackson was placed in the center of the park. During Reconstruction, the square served as an arsenal, and it was the site of a March 1873 clash during the insurrection following the 1872 gubernatorial election. From the 1920s to 1980s, the park was a common gathering place for artists. Today, the French Quarter Festival, Caroling in Jackson Square, and other formal concerts are held in the square.